When Heartland Soccer Association (HSA), the region’s largest nonprofit youth soccer organization, went looking for an exclusive healthcare partner to improve the health and wellness of its 1,000 teams, 15,000 youth players, 2000 coaches and 800 referees each season it didn’t have to go far. Menorah Medical Center and Overland Park Regional Medical Center, leaders in Johnson County healthcare, were a natural fit to join forces with HSA, which is headquartered in Overland Park.

The sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers and orthopedic specialists of Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Midwest Physicians—also part of HCA Midwest Health System—help keep thousands of active kids and adults healthy in Johnson County. With the expertise of a strong physician network and award-winning hospitals with advanced technology and high-quality, compassionate care, Menorah, Overland Park Regional and Midwest Physicians make the partnership with HSA a win-win for parents, coaches, athletes and the medical professionals who will attend tournaments and league play throughout the year. The hospitals and its physicians will provide information on safe play through education and other programs, including a comprehensive Concussion Management Program dedicated to improving the understanding and proper management of concussion through community education, outreach treatment, and ImPACT pre and post-injury testing.

“We consider our partnership with Heartland Soccer Association and its young athletes, coaches and teams a privilege and the right thing to do,” says Steve Wilkinson, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Menorah Medical Center. “This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission of providing high-quality healthcare to the community.”

Damond Boatwright, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Overland Park Medical Center, notes the education component of the partnership as a benefit to anyone who has a child playing soccer, coaches working with the athletes and the athletes themselves. “Concussion management is part of the national conversation and as a leader in concussion management we’re pleased to be at the forefront in the Kansas City area of educating parents, coaches and athletes about safe play on and off the field,” he says. “In addition, as part of our physician network, we have College Park Family Care Center, the largest physician practice in the Kansas City area.”

“As the largest physician network in the region, we are proud to be an active part of this vibrant organization that touches so many kids and their families in the community,” says Loren Meyer, MD, President of Midwest Physicians. “We look forward to serving HSA and its family this season and in the future. It’s a vital link to our relationship with the community.”

“Heartland Soccer Association’s partnership with Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Midwest Physicians demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, healthy and fun activities for kids and adults in the area,” says Shane Hackett, Executive Director, HSA. “We are known for our level of excellence, and to work side-by-side with the leaders in healthcare on our home turf is tremendous.”